Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, who holds a PhD in medical biophysics, the therapy is based on the observation that wild prey animals, though regularly threatened, are rarely traumatized. Unlike humans, these animals utilize innate mechanisms to regulate and discharge the high levels of energy arousal associated with defensive survival behaviors. These mechanisms provide animals with a built-in "immunity" to trauma that helps them return to normal shortly after the threat has passed. Somatic Experiencing tries to tap into these natural ways to help humans address the energy and physical manifestations associated with traumatic events.
The core concept of Somatic Experiencing is the regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs the body’s responses to stress and danger. Trauma may cause the ANS to become dysregulated, leading either to hyperarousal (anxiety, panic, and being "on edge") or hypoarousal (numbness, disconnection, and depression). SE employs the awareness of body sensations to help people "renegotiate" and move past their traumatic experiences. Rather than reliving the trauma, patients are guided slowly through the physical sensations associated with the trauma, which often allows the body to return to its natural state of balance.
A typical Somatic Experiencing session involves the therapist guiding the client through a series of physical experiences that help release trauma stored in the body. Techniques used may include physical touch, movement exercises, and vocal exercises that help to release muscular tension and restore autonomic nervous system functions. This approach is markedly different from more traditional therapies that focus primarily on the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma. The therapist in SE works more as a facilitator in the client's own healing process, encouraging the discovery and exploration of bodily sensations and movements that arise naturally as the body seeks to heal itself.
The effectiveness of Somatic Experiencing has been supported by various clinical observations and anecdotal reports, although more empirical research is needed to establish its efficacy comprehensively. Nevertheless, it has been applied successfully in diverse settings including with war veterans, car accident and surgical trauma survivors, and people suffering from chronic stress conditions. It offers a promising alternative for those who have found limited relief from more traditional forms of psychotherapy. As awareness of SE grows, more healthcare professionals are seeking training in the method, expanding its availability to a broader range of individuals suffering from trauma.
TraumaRegulation AutonomicHealing BodyWisdom TherapeuticFacilitation SomaticTherapy